For a stupid fucking man.
“What’s wrong?”
She doesn’t respond, but I hear rustling and sniffling likeshe’s trying to pull it together. I don’t give a shit about that. “Olive?” I need to know what is wrong.
“I messed up.”
“What happened?”Maybe she accidentally killed him, and now she needs help hiding the body.No. That’s ridiculous. Don’t get your hopes up.
“I came here to surprise Elliot, but he wasn’t even home. He’s on a business trip.” I hear her roll her eyes. “I got mad because I didn’t even know about it, and I turned around to drive home, but I ran out of gas.”
“Are you stranded on the side of the road, or could you pull in somewhere?”
“I pulled into some hotel on the side of the freeway, but I haven’t gotten out of my car. I’m pretty sure I see lot-lizards,” she whispers as if someone could hear her.
A small smile tugs at my lips, imagining her panicked eyes. “I’ll be right there.”
“No, you don’t have to come. I’ll call AAA.”
“You called me, Liv.”
“I know.”
“You can always call me.”
She doesn’t respond.
“Drop a pin, I’ll leave right now.”
“Can you drive your SUV?”
“Sure.” My bike would be faster. “Why?”
“I was hoping you’d stay on the phone with me until you get here.”
“Yeah, dove. I can do that.”
Unfortunately, all that is left unsaid between us makes small talk difficult. I can hear her hesitation as the silence on the line grows. She needs something to take her mind off thesituation she’s in currently.
“Talk me through the Porter case since we have pre-trial next week.”
I can’t see her, but I imagine her smile. “Okay, well, I’ll start by showcasing my evidence regarding Randall Porter’s conspiracy to obtain Second Chance Sanctuary by illegal means to build his private properties. I have multiple witnesses, including contractors and city ordinance officials who he discussed building plans with.
“I have multiple letters from Lochlan Dane refusing to sell his property. I also have all of the communication and letters of harassment that Mr. Porter sent him under the guise of legitimate mayoral duties.
“But most damning will be the text message communication between Randall and his brother Jeremiah. So, I’ll express to the judge that Randall used his brother to do his dirty work. I’ll be able to provide a lengthy criminal record for Jeremiah Porter.
“I’ll also show the judge that I have financial statements proving that Jeremiah was in financial distress and likely more easily swayed to do Randall’s bidding.”
“That’s a strong case, Liv.”
“I know,” she states proudly. “This is only pre-trial, so all of that might not be necessary, but I want to make sure that the judge knows I’m going to nail these suckers. Hopefully, their defense attorney underestimates me because I want to get them on every last charge.”
“You want them to underestimate you?”
“Absolutely. That way, I can wipe the floor with their lame arguments.”
“You’re an incredible lawyer, Liv. They’ll never see youcoming.”
